Nittoor’s Kelappan Panickar adorning Onapottan for seven decades

Kozhikode: Even at the age of 82, Nittoor Vellolippil family house head, Kelappan Panickar is busy preparing the adornments for the ‘Onapottan’--the folk character (demigod) representing Mahabali who visits households during Onam. 

It is Panickar who creates the decorations that adorn the ‘Onapottans’ who add colour to the Onam celebrations in the Kuttiyadi, Nadapuram, Vadakara, and Perambra areas of Kozhikode. It has been over 70 years since he began doing this job.

As per lores and beliefs, the arrival of the Onapottan to one’s threshold during the Onam season is considered to be auspicious as it is believed that they bring about prosperity. When the Onapottan arrives, he is welcomed with oil lamps, rice, and water-filled kindis (traditional pitchers). Everyone also gives dakshina or offerings and receives blessings from the Onapottan in return.

The Onapottan usually begins his prowl along the land on Uthradam, the ninth or the penultimate day of Onam festivities, and also on Thiruonam day. Usually, Onapottans and their families celebrate Onam on Avittam, the day after Thiruvonam.

Kelappan Panickar begins preparations for the decorations many days in advance.  This year, 12 people including two from the Vellolippil family house will don the apparel of the Onapottan. The hair and beard of the Onapottan are designed from the fibers of banana plant trunks. 

The Onapottan or Oneshwaran’s attire is a remarkable visual treat with the red mundu, palm umbrella, face painting, a beard tied above his lips, and an elaborately designed crown. The arrival of the Oneshwaran’s marks the arrival of the Onam festivities and is an unmissable sight on the streets of Nittoor.